US, Australian Navies Conduct ASW Exercises during TS13

CORAL SEA (NNS) -- U.S. and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sailors began a series of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercises off the northeast coast of Australia in support of Talisman Saber 2013 (TS 13), July 16.

The series of ASW exercises provide the two militaries a chance to flex their capabilities while focusing on improving interoperability and coordination.

"To see the two nations work together effectively in a multi-threat high end warfare environment is an impressive sight," said Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Bannister, torpedo and anti-submarine warfare officer for RAN's guided-missile frigate HMAS Sydney (FFG 03). "It's also a testament to the interoperability that exists at every level of our military force."

These exercises will include scenarios involving but not limiting to, detection and success over simulated opponents, which put the navies' tactical training and communications to the test.

"We have spent the last three months conducting high-end war fighting training while embedded with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group," said Bannister. "To have the opportunity to put all the lessons and skills to use in a live, combined, and joint environment is excellent. My anti-submarine warfare team has performed over and above what was expected of them. They have relished the opportunity to take part in Talisman Saber 2013."

Approximately 8,000 U.S. and 1,000 Australian personnel will participate in the ASW exercises over the next few days.

"I think it's really important that we practice these skills," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Josh Mobley, assigned to Arleigh-burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88). "We need to train together so we can understand each other and strengthen our capability to handle any situation."